Using Controls

Users interact with applications primarily using controls on forms. For example, by clicking, typing into, and navigating controls on forms in your application, users can manipulate data and accomplish the tasks they need to perform. Visual FoxPro provides a variety of controls that you can include on forms to help users perform tasks. The following list describes main categories of application tasks you can perform using controls:

• Provide users with a set of predetermined choices.

• Accept user input that cannot be predetermined.

• Accept user input in a given range.

• Allow users to perform specific actions.

• Perform specific actions at given intervals.

• Display information.

For example, you can make sure that only valid data is stored in a database by providing users a specified set of options or values. To provide these predetermined choices, you can use the following controls:

• Option buttons or option button groups.

• List boxes and drop-down list boxes.

• Check boxes.

Though you can use a variety of controls to perform any particular task, you should select and use controls consistently so that users can easily understand or know what to expect when they interact with your application's interface. For example, a label might contain the same Click event as a command button; however, users who are familiar with graphical interfaces expect to click command buttons, not labels, to perform actions.

In This Section

• Controls for Displaying Lists
  Describes the common uses, methods, and properties of list boxes and drop-down list boxes.

• Controls for Accepting Input
  Describes the common uses, methods, and properties of Visual FoxPro controls that accept user input that cannot be predetermined.

• Controls for Displaying Information
  Explains various Visual FoxPro controls and objects that can display and order information.

• Controls for Manipulating Rows of Data
  Describes the common uses, methods, and properties of the Visual FoxPro grid control.

• Controls for Allowing Specific Actions
  Describes the Visual FoxPro controls that allow users to take specific preprogrammed actions either by user interaction or by timed delay.

• Controls for Extending Forms
  Describes how the Page Frame object and the use of ActiveX controls can expand the workable area and use of Visual FoxPro forms.

• Controls and Data Concepts
  Explains the difference between the two kinds of controls you can have on your forms and lists the effects of a ControlSource property setting on different controls.

• Creating Drag-and-Drop Controls
  Describes the two types of drag-and-drop functionality that can be included in your Visual FoxPro application, OLE drag-and-drop and control drag-and-drop.

• How to: Make Controls Easier to Use
  Offers instructions on using access keys, tab order, ToolTip text, and selective disabling to create a user-friendly design.

Related Sections

• Creating the User Interface
  Using Visual FoxPro forms, classes, controls, menus, and toolbars, you can build interfaces that help users gain access to the full potential of your programs.

• Creating Forms
  Your application must have forms to make it possible for users to view and enter data. However, you can customize standard forms visually and programmatically to create a specialized environment for your users.

• Working with Forms
  After creating your form, you can run, hide, or alter it in different ways.

• Designing Menus and Toolbars
  A good menu system tells your users a lot about the design and structure of your application. Planning menus and toolbars carefully can improve the usability of your application and provide immediate access to common tasks.